Spotting Inside Heathrow Terminal 5

Terminal 5 at London Heathrow is the home of British Airways and some of its partner airlines.

It is located at the western end of the airport.

The main terminal building is where check-in, security, arrivals and many of the dining and retail options are location. In addition, there are two remote concourses (B and C) which can be reached via the underground train or walkway; these areas are only available to passengers, post security.

Spotting at Heathrow Terminal 5

The area outside Terminal 5 where arrivals on runway 09L can be photographed.

Terminal 5 at London Heathrow is the home of British Airways and some of its partner airlines.It is possible to spot at Heathrow Terminal 5 from landside areas, such as the departures level drop-off zone outside the terminal, and also the Costa Coffee café at the northern end.

There’s also a grassy hill area a 5 minute walk north from the terminal bus area where photographs can be taken.

These are only really useful if runway 09L is in use for arrivals, as the rest of the airport is not visible; 27L and R departures are visible from here, but beyond photography reach.

Spotting Airside at Terminal 5

The view from the B gates.

If you’re flying out of Terminal 5 at Heathrow, there are good views from most areas of aircraft movements.

In the main terminal building, the central area where most restaurants are located has good views along the western end of both runways. You’ll need flight tracking apps to identify these aircraft, but most movements can be seen.

All gate areas are also good for views around the surrounding parts of the terminal, with some limited photography. This includes both remote concourses, which are light and airy with lots of glass and views onto the runways.

If runway 09L is in use, the gates at the northern end of the main terminal have seating areas with good views of arriving aircraft. It is possible to photograph here (discretely), albeit through a few panes of glass.

You’ll need a 200-300mm lens for most aircraft.

Ground shots are possible at the northern end of T5.

Arrivals on runway 09L can be photographed.

Similarly, at the southern end of the building there are views of the runway 09R threshold. However, this is generally facing into sun, so not as good for photography.

Airport Spotting Guides UK & Ireland

For more tips on spotting at the airports, airfields and military fields of the United Kingdom and Ireland, including Heathrow and many more, grab a copy of our book – Airport Spotting guides UK & Ireland.

Includes maps, directions and descriptions of where to spot and what you’ll see.

Order a Copy